This study explored the structures, conditions, and practices of web-based education at 15 community colleges. Researchers examined courses that employed one or more of the newer digital technologies (such as interactive video-conferencing, multimedia CD-ROMs, and web-based instruction), and which conducted at least half of its credit hours off-site. The study aimed to elucidate the specific conditions that shape community colleges’ approaches to online education and to examine how community colleges respond to the challenges of creating online programs. It also investigated the evaluative frameworks that community colleges use as they develop and assess their online programs. Finally, the study considered the implications that various approaches have for the quality of online instruction.
This project was funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.